The Trailer Manual 1844252124, 9781844252121

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The complete guide to buying, maintaining and building light trailers

Trailer Manual

3 1223 07359 7602

Manual

Brian Bate I Eng MSOE MIRTE

The complete guide to buying, maintaining and building light trailers

Author: Project Manager: Copy editor: Page build:

Brian Bate Louise McIntyre Peter Nicholson James Robertson

© Brian Bate 2006 First published 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission of the publisher. Published by: Haynes Publishing, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ, UK A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 1 84425 212 4 Printed in Great Britain by J. H. Haynes & Co. Ltd.

While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information given in this book, no liability can be accepted by the author or publishers for any loss, damage or injury caused by errors in, or omissions from, the information given.

CONTENTS

SECURITY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR TRAILER

□

OWNERS' EXPERIENCES CONTACT LIST DIRECTIVES, LAWS AND STANDARDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX

142 149 150 152

I_

■1 ■

■■1 . ..'J ...

TYPES OF TRAILER A trailer is probably the most versatile type of vehicle that has ever been built. It is also the oldest road vehicle of all with a direct lineage from the invention of the wheel.

Unbraked trailers Braked trailers over 750kg (1,6541b) Alternative axle layouts

8 11 23

Trailers can be designed to do any particular task in the most efficient way possible and we cover many different designs here. However, it is impossible to feature them all in this book, so only the main types from 250kg (5501b) to 3,500kg (7,7171b) are included.

Unbraked trailers The first broad category of trailers are those under 750kg (1,6541b), which do not require brakes to be fitted. Several types are embraced under this heading and include the following examples. These products are also available with a

GENERAL PURPOSE

manual tipping design, which'adds further

The most commonly seen trailers are small

versatility.

general purpose types mainly used by house owners to carry garden refuse to a waste disposal depot or to fetch building materials from a merchant for a serious DIY project. This market is dominated by the lightweight allmetal designs from France, which are available in flat pack or fully assembled forms.

You can, however, still buy a traditional British trailer that is made with a heavy-duty plywood floor and either ply or solid timber sides with a metal frame. These seem to last These can be fitted with extras such as a moulded plastic top or ladder racks.

One very useful extra is to have a drop-down tailboard, because it makes it so much easier to load and off-load materials from the trailer.

8 Trailer manual

for ever and you can regularly see very old ones still in use.

DINGHY/CANOE TRAILERS They are really skeletal trailers, as they do not have any bodywork at all. For example, a dinghy trailer is built for the sole purpose of carrying a light boat and is available in differing lengths to suit the size and weight of dinghy that needs to be carried. A similar trailer can have a frame built to carry canoes or rowing boats. These often have a locker added to carry oars, paddles, buoyancy aids and protective clothing.

for camping, and can even be towed by relatively small cars. Note the difference in size between a folded trailer tent and the same trailer when set

TRAILER TENTS

up on a camping site. Yes, there is a trailer under

These are remarkable trailers. They are so light

there. Stuck for storage space? There are some

yet unfold to offer a surprising amount of room

models, which can be stored on their side.

Types of trailer

9

10

Trailer manual

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) TRAILERS

lowered so that the scooter can be driven on

These are designed to carry ATV vehicles such

easily. The suspension is then lifted using a

as quad bikes. These are small, four-wheel

12V-air compressor. This trailer is fitted with

motorcycles and were mainly used by farmers

castors enabling it to be taken through a

but many owners now use them for leisure

doorway and stored on end. It represents a very

activities.

neat solution for the elderly or infirm who need

MOBILITY TRAILERS

to use a trailer. Another design of trailer that can be stored in

These trailers are designed to carry the electric

a very small space is the Duuo Easy-Store. This

scooters for disabled people thereby leaving

is a small GP trailer where the body is lifted off

room in the towing car for luggage and other

the platform chassis and then the chassis is

passengers. The EZ Rise trailer has the

rolled into the body. The trailer is then lifted onto

advantage of having air suspension that can be

its castors and wheeled away for storage.

Braked trailers over 750kg (1,6541b)

plant hire companies to carry anything and everything. They are supplied in flatbed form, with drop sides or tipping (from the front or the side) with

While unbraked trailers have strict limitations of use due to weight restrictions, trailers fitted with

gross weights up to 3,500kg. The heaviest are normally on twin axles but

a braking system offer considerably more scope

if there is a need to have a lower floor height

for transporting heavier items. Many variants fall

three axles are used, which can be fitted with

within this category including the following types.

smaller wheels and tyres.

GENERAL PURPOSE

wide spread (the distance between the front and

The only problem with a tri-axle trailer is that the These are the workhorses of the small business

rear wheel centres) can create excessive tyre

world and are used by builders, farmers and

scrub (sideways force on the tyre) when

Types of trailer

11

12

Trailer manual

manoeuvring. One interesting design that reduces

the trailer much more manoeuvrable. This design

the spread and scrub is to fit the central axle in

is called the Centipede.

between the first and third axles with a narrower

General purpose trailers can be supplied with

track. This enables the wheels to overlap, so that

a beaver tail (a downward sloping rear floor

the axles are all closer together thereby making

section) or a rear ramp.

Types of trailer

13

Towing a small car behind a Motorhome Some people with a motorhome use an 'A'- frame or a towing dolly to tow a small car on its wheels. It is illegal to transport a car in this way. (See Chapter 2 'A'frames and dollies.) The legal way to tow behind a motorhome is to use a basic car transporter.

CAR TRANSPORTERS This type of trailer is the most popular one hired from trailer centres and it is made in a range of sizes. Some will carry a very small car; others can carry large vehicles. You can have a car transporter with lift-up ramps or with slide-out ramps or have fully enclosing bodywork. They can also be made with a hydraulic tilt bed for easier loading and unloading. If you have a need to carry lightweight cars you can even get one that carries two!

m-j

14

Trailer manual

-

GLIDER TRAILERS The longest trailers allowed (see Chapter 2) under 3,500 kg are those built to carry gliders.

Types of trailer

15

HORSE TRAILERS This is another extremely popular design. These trailers are made to carry one, two and even three horses, the Ifor Williams Hunter range, for example, being particularly popular. In addition to standard versions you can have bespoke designs of horse trailers made to suit your exact needs. People who take part in carriage driving competitions in particular purchase these, because the carriage has to be transported in the trailer as well as the horse. The largest of these designs can also incorporate living accommodation, where either the front or rear part of the trailer converts to living space after the carriage has been taken out. This is a very useful design for the regular competitor since it eliminates the need and cost of hotel accommodation.

16

Trailer manual

BOAT TRAILERS These are made in skeletal form and are available in a wide range of sizes to suit all types

of boat. They can either have a fixed bed or a breakback design where the trailer tilts to allow the boat to be lowered into the water so that it can be floated off.

Types of trailer

17

RsS”

BOX VAN TRAILERS This type of braked trailer is another workhorse for small businesses. It permits the user to significantly augment the carrying capacity of a normal Transittype van without employing another driver and powered vehicle. Box vans are popular hire vehicles for people who are moving house and help to reduce removal costs. They are available with the bodywork constructed either between or over the wheels.

18

Trailer manual

LIVESTOCK TRAILERS The Ifor Williams livestock trailer is commonly

will be so many of them there. These trailers

seen in rural locations throughout this country.

come in a range of sizes from small ones

In market towns on market day you would think

catering for sheep or pigs to large, tri-axle ones

that a rally was being held for them, as there

for cattle.

Types of trailer

19

20

Trailer manual

CATERING TRAILERS

offshoot of this type of trailer is the market

This type of trailer demonstrates the extreme

stall. These embody a very clever design that

diversity of design from small units to the very

allows a small trailer to convert into a large

largest with extremely elaborate bodywork. An

covered stall.

EXHIBITION AND HOSPITALITY TRAILERS These are very useful vehicles for the business world and again, incorporate some very clever ideas to gain space. Slide-out sides and fold-out flaps can create a huge area for maximum promotional purposes. This type of trailer is often used for mobile laboratories and police incident work.

MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS There are two types of trailer classed as motorcycle trailers: those that carry motorcycles and those towed behind a motorcycle. The former can be supplied to carry one, two or three motorcycles. A solo motorcycle with an engine capacity above 125cc is allowed to tow a trailer although these are restricted in size and weight. A motorcycle sidecar outfit can tow a normal sized trailer within set weight limits.

Types of trailer

21

plant machinery. They are available with rear ramps or you can have one where the load bed lowers down to ground level for easy loading. Another type is known as a mobile plant trailer where the trailer is simply a T-frame chassis with the type of plant carried, such as an air compressor, mobile generator and a water bowser simply bolted to it. These trailers are not designed to carry any other items so may be exempt from the Tachograph regulations. (See Chapter 2.)

ADVERTISING TRAILERS These are seen more and more parked on the

FOLDING CARAVAN/CAMPER TRAILERS

side of the road or in fields besides motorways

These are larger versions of the trailer tent

doing their job of advertising.

detailed earlier. They are usually referred to as trailers although they are more similar to a

Trailer manual

PLANT TRAILERS

caravan on account of the fa'ct that the sides are

Building trade and construction companies

made of an aluminium and foam sandwich

often use trailers to carry specialised types of

rather than fabric.

Alternative axle layouts Most trailers have the wheels positioned approximately under the centre point of the bodywork, but there are alternative arrangements. You can have a trailer with one or two axles at the back and another at the front. The front axle can then be on a turntable fixed to the drawbar so that the whole axle pivots about its centre. On another design, the front wheels

SEE

steer, using the Ackerman principle. In this type the drawbar is attached to a linkage, which operates steering arms attached to the front hubs as shown here. The final design is the fifth wheel type, sometimes referred to as semi-trailers. These are really downsized articulated trailers pulled by pick-up trucks or chassiscab light commercial vehicles. They give extra space and are very manoeuvrable. As you can see from the above examples, trailers really

do come in many

types, shapes and sizes. You never know what they will carry but you can have surprises. I have not covered all designs, but you can always have a bespoke design of trailer made to do exactly whatever you want it to do. That is the beauty of trailers; you can literally have anything you want. You cannot always do this with a powered vehicle, because the cost can be prohibitive.

Types of trailer

23

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TRAILER LEGISLATION Any vehicle used on the road must conform to a variety of regulations. Trailers are no exception, especially as they are legally defined under European Regulations as vehicles in their own right. Weights Dimensions: Overhang and wide loads Brakes Secondary couplings Plates Tyres Mudguards Maintenance, use of vehicle and security of load

•'',r:-;.f:'-j ;-?•> /v •»

Type approval •••■ •

••'

•»•

• - • •

Lighting requirements Numberplates Vehicle marking regulations

“fV T- ?i' ivr **?. &

The 'A'-frame and towing dolly Driving licences Speed limits Tachographs Operators' licences Carriage of animals

The legislation may seem onerous, but the

Braked trailers (Type 02) can be used up to a

intention is to provide trailers that are built to do

maximum of 3,500kg (7,7001b).

a job safely.

I

Trailers, used in the United Kingdom and towed by UK-registered vehicles must meet

Your vehicle's unbraked and braked towing limits will be found in the handbook or on its vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.

requirements laid down in the Road Vehicles

(Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986 No. 1078) and amending regulations as well as the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No. 1796) as amended. Although there are some 'grey' areas in the

NOSE WEIGHT Your vehicle manufacturer will state the figures for maximum nose weight in the handbook. If for any reason, you don't have access to

current legislation, this chapter highlights some

your vehicle's owner's handbook to check the

of the more important aspects.

figures for your vehicle, have a look at the VIN

Weights MAXIMUM WEIGHTS

plate, usually found under the bonnet or on a door pillar. Alternatively, if you are thinking of changing your car and cannot find this" information from a car dealer, ring up the manufacturer's technical

Unbraked trailers (Type 01) can be used up to a maximum weight of 750kg (1,6541b).

department for the information. Do not rely on manufacturer's brochures, as they will often give a maximum towing limit without indicating

Note: A vehicle can only tow an unbraked trailer loaded to half the towing vehicle's kerb weight. To tow a 750kg gross vehicle

if there are any conditions regarding passengers or luggage The given towing limit is usually with just a

weighs 1,000kg (2,2001b) you are restricted to a

driver on board weighing 68kg (1501b) plus 7kg (151b) of luggage on board (European Directive 95/48/EC). Any change from this situation,

loaded trailer weight of 500kg (1,1001b).

either by carrying extra passengers or luggage

weight (GVW) trailer a vehicle must have a kerb weight of at least 1,500kg (3,3001b). If your car

A solo motorcycle, with an engine capacity

will reduce this limit by their individual weights.

exceeding 125cc, can tow an unbraked trailer

Always have a look at a car's handbook and read

up to a maximum weight of 150kg (3301b) or

the 'towing' section before deciding which car

two thirds of the kerb weight of the motorcycle,

to buy. Note that Vauxhall are currently giving •

whichever is the less. The kerb weight must be

towing limits with two people on-board

clearly marked on the nearside of the

weighing 70kg each.

motorcycle.

If you exceed any of the above maximum limits you are breaking the law by having an overloaded vehicle. In addition, your insurance company can invalidate your insurance if it was found, following an accident, that you had an overloaded vehicle. It could be a very expensive mistake, so ensure that you operate within the nose weight and towing limits of your vehicle at all times.

Dimensions When towing with a vehicle having a GVW of up to 3,500kg a trailer may have a maximum length of 7m (23ft) excluding the drawbar and a maximum width of 2.3m (7ft 6in) unless being towed by a vehicle with a GVW exceeding 3,500kg, when an overall trailer width of 2.55m (8ft 4in) and length of 12m (39ft 4in), excluding the drawbar, is allowed.

A typical car VIN plate.

26

Trailer manual

Note: In law, only metric measurements can

'h* 72 SAB

be used; imperial measurements are shown

of a trailer by no more than 305mm (1 ft), but the

A Squire trailer built to

here purely as a comparison.

overall width of the trailer and load must not

the maximum 1 m

exceed 2.9m (9ft 6in).

width.

You can exceed the 7m length limit if your trailer has been specially built to carry an

DIAGRAM OF END MARKER SURFACE

indivisible load i.e. a load that cannot be split

.

into smaller sections, such as a glider

Not less than 610mm

◄-►

.

trailer, where the glider's fuselage is longer than 7m. The trailer can only be used for this purpose. A trailer towed by a solo motorcycle has a

T £

£

different length restriction. In this case the distance between the rearmost part of the trailer and the motorcycle's rear wheel spindle must not exceed 2.5m. The overall width of the trailer must not exceed 1 m.

Overhang and wide loads These terms usually apply to large boats with a wide beam but long lengths of timber, roof trusses or ladders can bring you into this part of the Regulations. Loads may overhang the sides

Trailer legislation

27

taken to make the projection clearly visible

Info

although there is no legislation saying what you need to do. Usually, a piece of brightly coloured

Should you have a boat trailer the chassis may finish well before the stern of the boat. Measure the overhang created and take the necessary requirements for this overhang. If an outboard motor is fitted to the stern the engine's propeller must be covered to protect any person, walking behind the trailer, from injury. V_._J

cloth is sufficient to do this. If the projection exceeds 2m but does not exceed 3.05m, end marker boards must be fitted. If the projection exceeds 3.05m, end and side markers must be fitted, an attendant carried and the two working days notice given to the Police, as described above. There is no limit to the height of a trailer or a trailer plus its load. If, however, the height exceeds 3m then the towing vehicle must have either (a) a notice displayed in a prominent position in the driving cab showing the overall

If you have a load to carry that is wider than

travelling height of the vehicle, its load or

this, an exception is made to allow you to go up

equipment, or (b) documents in the cab, within

to 4.3m (14ft) if two clear working days notice

easy reach of the driver, giving details of the route,

prior to the date the journey is to begin, is given

or choice of routes, to be taken so as to eliminate

to the chief officer of police for any area in

the risk of the vehicle, its load or equipment, from

which you propose to use the vehicle. In such

striking bridges or other overhead structures

cases, marker boards should be fitted within

during the course of the journey.

50mm (2in) of the edge of the load at the front

If (a) is adopted the notice must show the

and rear (Regulation 81 and 82 Schedule 12),

overall travelling height in feet and inches, or in

which must be clearly visible.

both feet and inches and metres; the numbers

If the load is wider than 3.5m (11 ft 6in) then

used for giving the height in feet and inches

an attendant must be carried. They need to be

must be at least 40mm (13/4in) tall and those

there to get out of the cab to instruct the driver

used for giving the height in both feet and

verbally or by using hand signals if the vehicle

inches and metres must not differ by more than

has to negotiate narrow roads, travel past

50mm (Regulation 10).

obstructions or under low bridges etc. When travelling at night the marker boards

Brakes

must be illuminated, but the light of the lamps themselves must not be visible to other road

Type 02 trailers must be fitted with a braking

users (Regulations 81 and 82 Schedule 12).

system, which complies with European

Loads may project forwards by up to 2m (6ft

Community Braking Directive 71/320/ECand

6in) before any need for marker boards. These

amendments 75/524/EC and 79/489/EC. These

are required if the projection exceeds 2m but

directives lay down technical standards on

not exceeding 3.05m (1 Oft) and an attendant

braking and stopping stability, and downhill

must be carried. Rearward projecting loads may go up to 1 m

speed control. Trailers manufactured from

without any need to warn other road users. If

reversing brakes.

the projection exceeds this length but is not more than 2m in excess then steps must be

1 October 1988 must be fitted with automatic The parking brake must apply to at least two wheels and be capable of holding a stationary trailer on a gradient of at least one in 6.25

Caution

without the assistance of stored energy. Stored energy is any residual force being applied by spring or hydraulic means. The stored energy in

When considering American-built trailers with a GVW below 3,500kg please note these are usually wider than the allowed 2.3m and can only be towed by a goods vehicle having a plated GVW exceeding 3,500kg. Look carefully at American caravans as well, particularly fifth-wheel ones. V_v

28

Trailer manual

the overrun brake linkage is not included here, as the residual force will have been used up when applying the extra brake rod movement needed if the handbrake has been applied immediately after reversing a trailer. A person standing on the ground must be able to operate the brakes by a means of operation (handbrake lever) fitted to the trailer (Regulation Wand

Schedule 3). European Directive 98/12/EC now

Steel cable secondary coupling.

Caution American trailers are usually fitted with electric or hydraulic brakes and may not have a parking brake. Trailers with such a system that are less than 3,500kg GVW do not comply with the European Braking Directive 71/320/EC and cannot be used on our roads. Please take advice from trade organisations such as the National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) or your local Trading Standards Office. \___J requires all friction material used on trailer brakes to be asbestos free. A trailer, when detached from its towing

Unbraked trailers made from 1 January 1997 with a GVW up to 750kg must also be marked with the year of manufacture on the nearside in

vehicle, must be prevented from moving either

such a way that the marking cannot be

by the use of a handbrake, chain, chock or other

obliterated (Regulation 71 A).

efficient device being applied to at least one of its wheels (Regulation 89). This applies to unbraked trailers as well.

Secondary couplings

1

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A secondary coupling is either a chain or cable on unbraked trailers or a breakaway cable on

L

Here's a typical unbraked trailer plate, it shows the serial number, gross weight of 400kg, nose weight of 75kg and made in 1998.

The Department for Transport requires

braked trailers. Braked trailers manufactured from 1 October

manufacturer's plates to be fitted to braked

1982 can only be used on the road if they are

trailers for safety recall purposes. These plates

fitted with a device, which stops them

must show:

automatically if the main coupling between the towing vehicle and trailer breaks and the vehicles separate, i.e. a breakaway cable. A

■ Manufacturer's name ■ Chassis or serial number

trailer becomes detached from the towing

■ Number of axles ■ Maximum weight for each axle

vehicle, and the cable then breaks allowing the

■ Maximum load imposed on drawing vehicle

breakaway cable applies the brakes fully, if the

trailer to separate itself from the towing vehicle. Unbraked trailers manufactured from 1 January 1997 having a GVW not exceeding

(Nose weight) ■ Maximum gross weight (GVW) ■ Year of manufacture

750kg must have a secondary coupling fitted which, if the main coupling breaks, prevents the drawbar from touching the ground and some

Manufacturers usually add on the tyre size and pressure as well.

steering remains on the trailer. In other words, it keeps the trailer attached to the vehicle.

Plates Every unbraked trailer must have a maker's plate attached marked with its maximum gross weight in kilograms displayed in a conspicuous and readily accessible position on the left or nearside. The MGW refers to the weight which it is designed or adapted not to exceed when used on the road laden

(Regulation 71).

Info WEIGHT TERMINOLOGY The terms used to denote maximum weight vary in different pieces of legislation but the following all mean the same. Maximum gross weight (MGW); maximum permitted mass (MPM); gross vehicle weight (GVW); maximum authorised mass (MAM) and in the caravan industry maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM). Where possible, I have used the term as used in the relevant piece of legislation. V___)

Trailer legislation

29

Note: If a plate is not attached the Police will

throughout a continuous band situated in the

use the maximum weight shown on the

central three quarters of the breadth of tread

coupling to determine the gross vehicle weight.

and round the entire outer circumference of

This may be higher than the trailer's capacity as

the tyre.

couplings are made for weight bands and may cause you problems with tachograph or driving licence regulations.

Tyres

Trailers must be fitted with tyres designed to support adequately the maximum axle weight when towed at the maximum speeds allowed for trailers. The tyres used on trailers are not, in many cases, of the same construction as car

The tyres are one of the most important

tyres of similar size. The two wheels on a single

components of a trailer - yet often, the most

axle trailer might have to support the same

neglected. Trailer tyres, with specialised exceptions,

weight as the four wheels on the tow car.

must be pneumatic. No trailer may be used on

show that they comply with the load and speed

the road when fitted with pneumatic tyres if:

requirements of ECE Regulation 30. Re-treaded

It is illegal to use tyres that are not 'E' marked to

tyres, if used, have to be made to British ■ The tyre is unsuitable for the use to which the trailer is being put or the type of tyre

Standard BSAU144e: 1988, and bear this mark. The sale and supply of used tyres whether re¬

does not match tyres fitted to the other

treaded or not are regulated and it is an offence

wheels.

for such tyres to be fitted to trailers unless

■ It is not properly inflated.

certain conditions are satisfied. Exemptions

■ The tyre has a cut of more than 25mm or 10% of its section width, whichever is

from the regulations apply in certain

greater, measured in any direction on the

circumstances (The Motor Vehicles Tyres

(Safety) Regulations 1994) (S11994 No. 3117).

outside of the tyre and deep enough to reach the ply or cord. ■ It has any lump, bulge or tear caused by

Mudguards

separation or partial structural failure. ■ The ply or cord is exposed. ■ The grooves in the tread pattern must not go below a minimum of 1,6mm in depth

No mudguards needed here as the body extends over the wheels.

30

Trailer manual

All trailers must be fitted with mudguards unless the bodywork affords suitable protection.

Maintenance, use of vehicle and security of load

*

Every trailer, together with all parts and accessories and the load carried, must at all times, be in such a condition that no danger or nuisance is caused, or is likely to be caused, to any person on the trailer or the road. Loads must be made secure; that is, loose loads sheeted and all loads physically restrained other than by their own weight, if necessary, to ensure against any part of the load falling or being blown from the vehicle

(Regulation 100). A trailer may not be used for carrying passengers (Regulation 90).

trailers less than 2,300mm long, made before October 1985). ■ Two front white position lights (except for trailers under 1,600mm or for boat trailers and trailers less than 2,300mm long, made before October 1985). ■ Two rear red triangular reflectors.

Type approval Unlike cars, there is no compulsory typeapproval scheme in the UK for trailers. The

Road Vehicles (Construction and Use Regulations) 1986 (S11986 No. 1078) in the UK is aligned with EC directives so that they are identical in all material respects. It is planned that there will be mandatory

■ Two rear red sidelights. ■ Two rear red stoplights/brake lights. ■ Two rear amber direction indicator lamps. ■ One or two numberplate lights (if sufficient illumination is provided clear lens inserts can be used in the rear lamp clusters). ■ One or two rear red fog lights (except for trailers less than 1,300mm wide and trailers made before October 1985). ■ Two front and rear outline marker lights for

type approvals coming in to force for light

trailers over 2,100mm wide manufactured

trailers around 2010 to 2012. Imported

since October 1991.

trailers from European Community (EC) manufacturers will comply with UK

The reason that boat trailers do not have

regulations if they are made to EC type

lights fitted is that people have the habit of

approvals, EC directives or their own country's

reversing a loaded boat trailer into the water to

equivalent. It is this non-compulsory Type

unload the boat! Water and electricity do not go

Approval situation that allows the import of

together so they have to use a rear trailer

American trailers that do not meet EC directives

lighting board instead.

or our own construction and use regulations even though they are not legal for use on our roads.

Lighting requirements Legislation affecting the lighting of trailers is contained in the Road Traffic Act 1988 s.41, and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI

1989 No. 1796) as amended.

OBLIGATORY LIGHTS All trailers must have the following lighting and reflectors fitted: ■ Two front white reflectors (except for trailers under 1,600mm or for boat trailers and

Info Note: when purchasing a trailer lighting board do not buy a cycle lighting board by mistake (used on cars when cycles being carried on the back of a car obscure the lights). A trailer lighting board must have triangular reflectors. A cycle board must not have triangular ones. Be careful and ensure that you buy a board of the correct width, as the lamps must still comply with the position dimensions, for the lights, from the side of the trailer. (See below.) V_2

Trailer legislation

31

ADDITIONAL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: ■ Trailers longer than 6m (19ft 6in), excluding the drawbar, must have side marker lights (except for boat trailers) ■ Trailers longer than 5m (16ft 3in). excluding the drawbar, must have amber side reflectors The forward-most light or reflector must be no more than 4m (13ft) from the towball coupling with the rearmost one no more than 1 m (3ft 3in) from the rear of the trailer. The distance separation must be no more than 3m (9ft 10in) between adjacent units. Fit additional ones if necessary. All lighting must be kept clean and in working order at all times. The lights must be visible and working at all times at night and not be obscured by doors, when open, or by ramps when lowered. If any lights are obscured then duplicate lights may be fitted above the door or ramp as required. All lights and reflectors on trailer manufactured from 1 October 1985 must be type approved and bear the 'e' mark followed by the number of the country that tested the lamps e.g. el 1 is the UK mark.

POSITION OF LIGHTS Front-position lights (Schedule 2)

The unique triangular reflector denotes a trailer.

Front-position (side) lights (white) must be fitted not more than 150mm from the side and not more than 1,500mm above the ground, or 2,100mm if the structure of the trailer precludes this. The horizontal angle of visibility must be 80° outwards and 5° inwards with a vertical angle of visibility 15° above and below the horizontal or 5° below if the lamp is less than 750mm from the ground.

Rear-position lights (Schedule 10) Rear-position (tail) lights (red) must be fitted at or near the rear no more than 400mm from the side of the trailer with a minimum separation distance between the lamps of 500mm (400mm if the width is less than 1,400mm) and at a maximum height of 1,500mm (2,100mm if the structure of the trailer precludes this). The horizontal angle of visibility must be 80° outwards and 45° inwards. The vertical angle of visibility 15° above and below the horizontal (or 10° below if less than 1,500mm from the ground or 5° below if less than 750mm from the ground).

Rear fog lamps (Schedule 11) One or two rear red fog lamps must be fitted to trailers made from 1 October 1985 and if one is used it must be positioned from a central position to the offside of the trailer at or near the rear of the trailer. If two are fitted they shall form a matched pair. The maximum height from the ground is 1,000mm. There must be 100mm separation distance between the light emitting surfaces of the fog and stop lamps whether they are contained in a common body or are separate when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The horizontal angle of visibility is 25s inwards and outwards. The vertical angle of visibility is 52 above and below the horizontal. It is illegal to have the fog light operated by the application of the braking system of the tow vehicle. Rear fog lamps may only be used when visibility is seriously reduced so as not to dazzle or inconvenience other road users. They must not be used when parked.

Stop lamps (Schedule 12) At least two stop lamps (red) must be fitted to form a pair and must be positioned at least 400mm apart, one on each side of the longitudinal axis of the trailer and at a minimum height of 350mm and a maximum of 1,500mm (2,100mm if the structure of the trailer precludes this). The horizontal angle of visibility is 45° to the left and right and 15° above and below the horizontal (or 10° if the lamp is less than 1,500mm from the ground or 5° if less than 750mm from the ground). Stop lamps on both vehicles must operate when the brakes are applied. *

Rear retro reflectors (Schedule 18) Trailers must have two red reflectors positioned at or near the rear of the trailer; these must be

32

Trailer manual

vertical and face squarely to the rear. They may

illuminates the numberplate, but it must be set

be positioned up to 400mm from the side of the

so that it does not dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users.

trailer with a minimum separation distance between the pair of 600mm (or 400mm if the trailer is less than 1,400mm wide). The vertical

Outline marker lights (Schedule 13 Pt II)

position is a minimum of 350mm and a

Outline marker lights must show white to the

maximum of 900mm (or 2,100mm if the vehicle

front and red to the rear. They can be combined

structure makes this impracticable).

into a lamp that shows white to the front and

The horizontal angle of visibility is 30° inwards and outwards and vertically 15° above

red to the rear. They must be mounted no more than 400mm from the side of the trailer. The

and below the horizontal (or 5° below if the

horizontal angle of visibility is 80s outwards and

reflector is less than 750mm from the ground).

0s inwards. The vertical angle of visibility is 5Q

From 1 April 1991 rear rpflectors must bear

above and 20Q below the horizontal.

an approval mark incorporating 'III' or 'IIIA'

Side marker lights (Regulations 19, 22 and Front retro reflectors (Schedule 21)

Schedule 9)

All trailers manufactured from 1 October 1990

Where fitted they must be mounted on each side,

must be fitted with at least two white retro

be amber in colour and positioned at a maximum

reflectors which are positioned up to 150mm

distance from the front of the trailer of 4m

from the side of the trailer with a minimum

including the drawbar. The maximum distance

separation distance between the pair of 600mm (or 400mm if the trailer is less than 1,400mm).

from the rear of the trailer of the rearmost side marker lamp is 1 m. The maximum separation

The minimum height from the ground is 350mm

distance between the light-emitting surfaces of

and the maximum is 900mm (or 1,500mm if the

adjacent side marker lamps on the same side of

structure makes this impractical).

the trailer is 3m or, if this is not practical, 4m. They

The horizontal angle of visibility is 30°

must be mounted no more than 2,300mm from

outwards and 5° inwards and vertically 15°

the ground. The horizontal angle of visibility is 45e

above and below the horizontal (or 5° below if

to the left and to the right when viewed in a

the reflector is less than 750mm from the

direction at right angles to the longitudinal axis of

ground). Triangular reflectors must not be fitted

the vehicle. If the light is fitted within 1 m from the

to the front of any trailer.

rear of the vehicle it may be red in colour or, if the trailer was manufactured before 1 October 1990, it

Direction indicators (Schedule 7)

may be white when viewed from the front and red

Trailers must have a pair of amber rear indicators

when viewed from the rear.

marked on the lens with the figure '2', '2a' or '2b' above the approval mark. They must be

Numberplates

positioned up to 400mm from the side of the trailer with a minimum separation distance

All trailers must display a numberplate bearing

between the pair of 500mm (or 400mm if the

the registration mark of the towing vehicle. The

trailer is less than 1,400mm wide) and between

numberplate must show yellow reflective

350mm and 1,500mm from the ground (up to

material with black characters. Any number-plate

2,300mm if the structure of the trailer precludes

first made from 1 st September 2001 must bear

this). The horizontal angle of visibility is 80°

the British Standard No. BS AU 145d and the maker's name, trademark or other means of identification and the suppliers name and postcode. Note! The stick-on type of

outwards and 45° inwards and vertically 15° above and below the horizontal. Side repeater indicators can be fitted to trailers within 2,600mm of the front of the trailer and the lamps must have the figure '5' above the approval mark. The lights must flash at the same rate as the car's indicator lights. The driver of the vehicle must have a 'tell-tale' in the car showing

numberplate with self-adhesive characters does not comply with the new Standard. Check with the maker for confirmation that they can produce a test certificate showing that it complies with the Standard.

that a trailer's indicator lamps are working correctly. This can take the form of a lamp or an audible buzzer.

(Schedule 7 Part 1, Clause 11)

Rear registration plate lamp (Schedule 15) Trailers must have a white lamp that adequately

BH55 HNP HILLS NUMBERPLATES B6 7JJ

t.’irx.'i)

Trailer legislation

33

Numberplates can now carry the blue

If an 'A'-frame were used without providing

Euroflag emblem, which is acceptable by all

any means of braking then the car being towed

EEC Member States in place of the normal GB

would be regarded as an unbraked trailer and

plate. However a GB plate is still required if you

must, therefore, have a maximum GVW of

travel outside the EEC.

750kg. This weight is often wrongly referred to

Vehicle marking regulations

as the actual or kerb weight but it is the towed car's GVW that has to be used. You will not find a car made today with a GVW of less than 750kg. The small Smart Fortwo coupe car, for example, has a GVW of 990kg.

If you use a trailer to sell food or ice cream the

'A'-frames are available with an overrun

trailer must display the name and address of the

coupling fitted. These have a cable system that

person running the business.

runs from the coupling and into the car via an open window or in some cases through a hole

Long vehicle rear markers

drilled in the car's bulkhead. The cable is

These are not required on Type 01 and 02

attached to the car's brake pedal which provides

trailers and are illegal if fitted to trailers being

some braking power, but this would be limited.

towed by a vehicle with a GVW up to 3,500kg.

The majority of cars have brakes operated via a

However, you can and are advised to fit, a rear

servo, which boosts the performance, but this

marker to a trailer, which has a GVW under

is only operative when the car's engine is

3,500kg, when towed by a vehicle with a GVW

running. Trailer brakes must meet European

in excess of 7,500kg.

directives and a car braking system does not

The 'A'-frame and towing dolly

meet these with regard to automatic reversing requirements. If you decide to use an 'A' frame to tow a car and the design of 'A' frame uses brackets that are permanently attached to the car then you should notify your insurance

An 'A'-frame or a dolly can only, legally, be used

company. They would regard these brackets as

by a recovery vehicle operator to retrieve a

a modification to the car and you must notify

broken-down vehicle and move it to a place of

them to avoid any possible problems with a

safety Note: They cannot be used for any

claim following an accident. You should also

other purpose, including transportation. An 'A'-frame is a device that is coupled to a towball and then directly attached to the front of

car manufacturer as these brackets might affect

a car to tow that car running on its own wheels.

the crumple zone of the car's bodywork.

Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 as 'a

either a straight or vee-shaped drawbar, which

vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle' so a car being

has a pair of ramps fitted. A car can then be

A trailer is defined in the

A Treales Trailers 'Stowboy' towing dolly.

check with the manufacturer of the 'A' frame ' that fitting such brackets has the approval of the

A towing dolly is really a small trailer with

towed becomes, in law, a trailer. It must,

moved up the ramps so that its front wheels sit

therefore, conform fully to those parts of the

over the dolly's axle. The car can then be

regulations that apply to a trailer including

secured on to the dolly and towed with its back

lighting e.g. triangular reflectors must be fitted.

wheels running on the road. A towing dolly has to conform to all C&U and lighting regulations. They are available in both unbraked and braked versions. The same problems as mentioned above with regard to the use of 'A'-frames also apply to a dolly. You can buy a version with automatic reversing overrun brakes fitted to the axle and a linkage can be connected to the car's brakes, but the same interpretation of the regulations can be applied here. When a car is placed on the dolly you are then towing two 'trailers' at the same time. Other regulations (the Road Traffic Act) therefore apply, limiting the speed to 40mph on a motorway and 30mph on all other roads. This

34

Trailer manual

The legal way to tow a car behind a motorhome.

used to be 20mph but was changed by the introduction of SI2003 No. 1998. You will often see these devices being used to tow a car behind a motorhome, but the only way to tow a car legally is to use a car transporter. These can be bought tailor-made for small cars. Towing cars using an 'A'-frame or a dolly is regarded as a very grey area in law and it will take an Appeal Court case to get a definitive interpretation of the law. If you have any doubts about towing using these devices contact the Primary Safety Branch of the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, Marsham Street, London or check website www.dft.gov.uk for their current advice.

Driving licences The changes in the regulations introduced on 1 January 1997 were made to bring the UK in line with EEC regulations. These have, however, caused some confusion. If you passed your driving test before that date your licence will cover you for Categories B, Cl, D1, B+E, Cl +E, D1+E and other Categories F, K, L (electric vehicles), N and P. If you passed your test after that date you can still tow trailers with your Category B licence without taking a towing test, within certain conditions. These are shown below in Category B: Throughout these regulations there is used the term 'MAM'. This means maximum authorised mass and in relation to vehicles has the same

meaning as 'maximum permissible weight' in s. 108(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and in relation to any other vehicle or trailer as maximum gross weight (GVW) in Regulation 3(2) of the Road

Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Driving licence categories and their relevance to trailer use are as follows. Category A Motorcycle but excluding vehicles in Category K (other categories covered: B1, K and P). Motorcycles with an engine over 125cc can tow a trailer with a MAM of maximum 150kg; a maximum width, of 1 m and the distance from the spindle of the motorcycle's rear wheel to the rear of the trailer is a maximum of 2.5m. Category B Motor vehicle other than a vehicle included in categories A, F or P, having a MAM up to 3.5 tonnes and not more than nine seats (including the driver), including: ■ A combination of such a vehicle and a trailer where the trailer has a MAM not exceeding 750kg giving a combined MAM (gross train weight) of 4,250kg, or ■ A vehicle and trailer combination where the trailer's MAM (GVW) does not exceed the car's kerb weight and the total MAM does not exceed 3,500kg (other categories covered: F, K and P). Note: The total MAM is the car's maximum laden weight, not the kerb weight, added to the trailer's GVW.

Trailer legislation

35

Drive a large 4x4? Passed your test after 1 Jan 1997? This is the size of trailer you can tow. Nothing heavier.

Category B1 Sub-category of Category B comprising motor vehicle with three or four wheels, an unladen weight of up to 550kg, a maximum design speed exceeding 50kmh (30mph) and, if fitted with an internal combustion engine, the cubic capacity exceeds 50cc (other categories covered: Kand P). Category B+E A combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where the motor vehicle is in category B but the combination does not fall within that category (see note under Category B).

Info Note: A separate test for a Category B+E entitlement is necessary if the Category B conditions regarding the trailer are not met. To tow a braked trailer behind any large 4x4 e.g. a Land Rover Discovery requires the driver to have Category B+E on his licence.

1_P

36

Trailer manual

Category C Goods vehicle exceeding 3,500kg MAM (other than a vehicle in Category D, F, G or H), including such a vehicle towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg MAM. Category Cl A sub-category of Category C comprising a vehicle exceeding 3,500kg but not exceeding 7,500kg MAM, including such a vehicle towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg MAM. Category C+E (see note 2 below) Combination of a goods vehicle and trailer where the goods vehicle is in Category C but the combination does not fall within that category (having C+E automatically covers for category B+E). Category C1+E (see note 3 opposite) A sub-category of Category C+E comprising any combination of motor vehicle and trailer where:

■ The motor vehicle is in sub-category Cl. ■ The trailer exceeds 750kg MAM but does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. ■ The combination does not exceed 12,000kg max (having Cl +E automatically covers for Category B+E). If you passed

your test before 1 January 1997 you are limited to a vehicle combination of8,250kg. Note: Although the wording is 'any combination' the Police use the formula of adding the MAM of each vehicle together irrespective of the actual weights you may be using. For example, if you passed your test before 1997 the total MAM allowed is 8,250kg. Say you use a 7,000kg truck and have a trailer with a plated MAM of 2,000kg but only load it to 1,250kg to give you a total of 8,250kg you are breaking the law. The police would say that you were operating at 9,000kg (7,000kg truck MAM + 2,000kg trailer MAM) and therefore needed a Category C+E licence. Category D Passenger carrying vehicle having more than nine seats (including the driver) including such a vehicle towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg MAM. Category D1 (see note 1 opposite) A sub-category of Category D being a passenger-carrying vehicle having more than nine but less than 17 seats, including the driver, including such a vehicle towing a trailer not exceeding 750kg MAM.

Category D+E The combination of a passenger-carrying vehicle and trailer where the passenger vehicle is on Category D but the combination does not fall within that category (having D+E automatically covers for B+E). Category D1+E (see note 1 below) A sub-category of D+E comprising any combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where: ■ The motor vehicle is in sub-category D1. ■ The trailer exceeds 750|cg MAM but not the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. ■ The combination does not exceed 12 tonnes MAM, and ■ the trailer does not carry passengers. Category F Agriculture or forestry tractor, other than a vehicle in Category H (other categories covered: K). Category G Road roller.

Speed limits When towing with a car, passenger-carrying vehicle, car-derived van or dual-purpose vehicle the speed limits are as follows: ■ Motorways 60mph. ■ Dual carriageways 60mph, unless a lower limit is in force. ■ Other roads 50mph, unless a lower limit is in force. When towing with a goods vehicle between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes: ■ Motorways 60mph ■ Dual carriageways 60mph, unless a lower limit is in force. ■ Other roads 50mph, unless a lower limit is in force. Note: Only applies where the aggregate maximum laden weight of vehicle and trailer is not more than 7,500kg. When towing with a large goods vehicle (LGV) exceeding 7.5 tonnes: ■ Motorways 60mph. ■ Dual carriageways 50mph, unless a lower limit is in force. ■ Other roads 40mph, unless a lower limit is in force

Category H Track-laying vehicle steered by its tracks.

Tachographs

Category K Mowing machine or pedestrian controlled vehicle.

If you have a vehicle that has a GWV exceeding 3,500kg it will have a tachograph fitted to conform to the law. If your vehicle has a GWV not exceeding 3,500kg then hitching a trailer up to it may bring you into the scope of the Drivers Hours Regulations. If the towing vehicle has a GTW exceeding 3,500kg and the combined gross weights of the vehicle and trailer also exceed 3,500kg then a tachograph is required. If the outfit is being used for commercial use and you are not towing a trailer that is exempt from the regulations (see below) then you will need to have a tachograph fitted and must use it when towing. Changes in the Drivers Hours Regulations have caused considerable controversy. Many people believe that they are now required to fit a tachograph when towing a trailer. Some newspapers have misinformed readers by reporting that small vehicles such as Ford Fiesta vans need one when towing, this is untrue. The tachograph regulations in The Transport Act 1968 Pt VI prior to August 1,1998 referred to 'goods vehicles' so at that time cars and dualpurpose vehicles were exempt. The changes introduced the wording 'any vehicles used to carry goods'. This is the wording used in EC Regulations 3820/85and 3821/85and the UK

Category P Moped.

NOTES: The following refer to licences/entitlements issued before 1 January 1997. 1

Limited to driving vehicles not used for 'hire or reward'. 2 Entitlement may be claused 'limited to drawbar trailer combinations'. 3 Limited to combinations not exceeding 8,250kg MAM.

Info In the official driving licence legislation the term tonnes is used e.g. 8.25tonnes. A tonne is 1,000kg. An imperial ton is 1,016kg.

^'

Info Note: Motorhomes, although built on a commercial vehicle chassis, normally of a Category N1 vehicle, are reclassified in law as passenger¬ carrying vehicles of Category Ml. This means that they are subjected to passenger car speed limits for GWVs up to 3,500kg. If they have a GWV exceeding that figure they come under the speed limits for a LGV. V _W

Trailer legislation

37

Government say that they are simply bringing UK Regulations into line. Obviously a car can be used to carry goods hence the considerable confusion caused by this wording. An Appeal Court case (Laverick and Clarke v Wilmot, Chief Constable) in July 1998 established a legal interpretation of 'maximum permissible weight'. Previously the Police simply added together the maximum permissible weight of the towing vehicle to that of the trailer irrespective of whether any load was being carried and if the total exceeded 3,500kg and the journey was commercial then a tachograph was required. In this case the towing vehicle had a GTW of 3,500kg but the sum of the GVWs was over 3,500kg, therefore, in the view of the Police a tachograph should have been fitted and used. The actual weight of the outfit was measured

A Siemens VDO analogue tachograph combined with the speedometer.

and found to be below 3,500kg so was within the vehicle's GTW. The appeal was won on the fact that exceeding the vehicles GTW would have been an offence of having an overloaded vehicle. This case established the requirement for the Police to look at the GTW of the towing vehicle and they have to take the lower of the two ways of calculating the weights. As most cars and carderived vans have a GTW lower than 3,500kg they can never require a tachograph. For example, a Ford Mondeo 2.0i has a Gross Train Weight of 2,800kg and can tow trailers commercially and never require a tachograph. If this GTW was exceeded an offence would be committed of using an overloaded vehicle, but not of breaking tachograph laws.

38

Trailer manual

If you tow a trailer as part of your business you will, therefore, have to look at your choice of towing vehicle carefully. A Land Rover Discovery, depending on a particular model's kerb weight, can tow a trailer with a GVW of around 1,500kg whereas a Land Rover Freelander can tow around 2,000kg before a tachograph is required. Some large cars can bring you into scope of the tachograph requirements so check the handbook before buying. See also Chapter Five, Preparing your car for towing, and Chapter Six, Fitting a Towbar. There are of course exemptions and the ones that are of most concern to light trailer users are as follows: ■ vehicle combinations being used for the non¬ commercial carriage of goods for personal use; any vehicle (including goods) not exceeding 3,500kg maximum permissible weight (including any trailer); ■ vehicles used for the carriage of passengers constructed or equipped to carry not more than 17 persons including the driver. If going abroad the EC Regulations restrict this exemption to nine seats including the driver; ■ vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes and new or rebuilt vehicles which are not yet in service; ■ vehicles being used by agricultural, horticultural, forestry or fishery undertakings to carry goods within a 50km (31 mile) radius of the place where they are normally based, including local administrative areas the centres of which are situated within that radius. Where fishery undertakings are concerned this only applies to the carriage of live fish, or a catch of fish from the place of landing to the place where it is to be processed; ■ vehicles carrying animal waste or carcasses which are not intended for human consumption; ■ vehicles carrying live animals between a farm and a local market or from a local market to a local slaughterhouse. If you travel long distance to either sell or buy livestock you would require a tachograph to be fitted and used if your vehicle combination falls within the scope of the Regulations even travelling without a load; ■ vehicles being used as shops at a local market; for door-to-door selling; mobile banking, exchange or savings transactions; for worship, for the lending of books, records or cassettes; for cultural events or

Goods Vehicle test centre. Look under Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in your local telephone directory for the number. You can now download the handbook from the DfT website as well as the frequently asked questions relating to drivers' hours. See: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_freight/ documents/page/dft_freight_504543.pdf

A Siemens VDO digital tachograph.

Operators' licences exhibitions. Note: such,vehicles must be specially fitted for the use in question; ■ a vehicle carrying goods having a permissible maximum weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes and carrying material or equipment for the driver's use in the course of his work within a 50km (31 mile) radius of the place where the vehicle is normally based and providing driving the vehicle is not the driver's main activity; ■ vehicles operating exclusively on an island not exceeding 2,300 square kilometres in area and which is not connected to the rest of Great Britain by a bridge, ford or tunnel. This includes the Isle of Wight, Arran and Bute; ■ a vehicle being used for driving instruction with a view to obtaining a driving licence. Note: this does not apply if the vehicle or any trailer attached to it is carrying goods on a journey for hire or reward, or for or in any connection with any trade. Please take care regarding specific plant and equipment trailers e.g. mobile generators or air compressors. These have always been regarded as exempt from the regulations as they are not built to carry goods but in a recent Court case involving a mobile gantry it was found that this type of trailer fell within the scope of the Tachograph regulations. This may go to appeal so please check with the Department for Transport, for the latest situation regarding the need for a Tachograph if you will be towing trailers such as these. In May 2006 a new type of tachograph is being introduced, a digital electronic version. This has been developed to overcome the fraudulent use that has occurred with the analogue type tachographs. This will apply throughout the EEC. For a good source of frequently asked questions regarding drivers' hours you can obtain a free copy of the DfT's Drivers' Hours handbook GV262 from your nearest Large

The police may tell you that if you have a tachograph fitted to your towing vehicle that you then require an operators' licence. This is not necessarily so. Operators' licensing is governed by The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No. 2869) and The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No. 3000). Subject to certain exemptions (see below) operators' licensing applies to all goods vehicles and vehicle combinations used for the carriage of goods in connection with trade or business and which exceed 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or, if unplated but fitted with power brakes 1,525kg unladen weight. Any trailer, with a GVW in excess of 3,500kg but an unladen weight of not more than 1,020kg unladen being discounted. The following exemptions would apply to light trailer use: ■ Dual-purpose vehicles and trailers towed thereby, ■ passenger vehicles and any trailer towed, when being so used.

Carriage of animals If you transport horses or livestock by trailer you must comply with the relevant laws covering the welfare of the animals. The current law is the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 (Statutory Instrument 1997 No. 1480) and amending legislation. If you require more information it can be obtained by looking at website http://www.defra.gov.uk/ or by contacting your local Trading Standards Department, as they enforce this law. The law is likely to change by 2007 following a new European directive giving more space requirements for the animals. This will apply to the carriage of animals for business purposes.

Trailer legislation

39

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